This was the day that Yugoslavia celebrated the 21st anniversary of their liberation in World War Two. What the Yugoslavs did not bargain for was that England might just have the gall to ruin the party. But the spirited English all but did just that with an excellent display that deservedly gained an even share of the honours.

England knew before the game that they had a difficult task. On their previous visits, 1939, 1954 and 1958, they had been well beaten. This time, in a stadium that was still under construction, 60,000 people witnessed a much better display from their visitors.

Mind you, the start that England had could not have been worse as very early on a long through-pass from Kovačević caught the defence on the wrong foot and Galić raced clear. Luckily, Gordon Banks read the situation superbly to make a fine save. But it was only a brief respite as a minute later, worse was to follow. This time a long cross from Popović beat everyone and reached Kovačević, who volleyed in a superb goal.

It was a dream start for the Yugoslavs but England hit back immediately and dampened thoughts of another defeat by scoring a fine equalizer. A corner was taken by Terry Paine and his kick was met brilliantly by Barry Bridges, whose glancing header found the top corner of Škorić's net. It was Bridges' first goal for his country and one that his illustrious predecessors would have been proud of. It was also the first time an England goal had been seen in Yugoslavia since Frank Broome's effort in 1939.

After the goals the game settled down and the excitement went away for a while. After the interval it was England who gained the upper hand and could have gone on to win. Two left-foot shots by Jimmy Greaves flashed narrowly wide and Paine also went close.

A lovely cross by the tireless Ray Wilson almost found the head of Bridges and England were now well on top. At the back Bobby Moore was absolutely magnificent. Setting a captain's example, he seemed to read the Yugoslavs' minds and blotted out their best attacks with consummate ease. Jack Charlton and the rest of the defence also performed heroically and this is certainly one of the best defensive set-ups England had enjoyed for a long time. Not only did they have Kovačević, Galić, Zambata, Džajić and Takač (substitute for the injured Lukarić just before half-time) totally in their pockets, they also found time to give their colleagues a stream of good passes out of defence.

The only thing lacking was that final finish. This was highlighted on the hour when they had their best chance of the half. A fine move between Nobby Stiles, Paine and Greaves ended with Bridges shooting straight at Škorić's legs from close range. It was a clear chance and one that should have been taken.

But let us not take too much away from what was a superb performance. England's challenge for the 1966 World Cup looked to be taking shape with the defence now settled. Stiles, a combative little terrier, and Alan Ball, despite a nervous beginning, gradually warming to the task. If Bobby Charlton had played then perhaps the extra finishing could have been provided.

Ironically, Yugoslavia almost stole it with just four minutes to go. Takač beat Ray Wilson for probably the only time and pulled the ball back from the by-line. Zambata met it with a spectacular diving header. Thankfully for England, the ball struck the base of the post. Although Zambata was unlucky, it would have been a terrible injustice had England lost.
  

Ramsey's jigsaw came closer to completion when Alan Ball made his debut, showing the energy and enthusiasm that was to make him such a vital member of the 1966 World Cup squad. Barry Bridges, Chelsea's jet-paced centre-forward, headed England's equaliser after the Yugoslavs had taken a fifteenth minute lead. England were the first foreign side to avoid defeat in Yugoslavia in a full international. "It is the proudest moment of my life," said Ballie in his Clitheroe Kid high-pitch voice after Ramsey had selected him. "I have dreamed of playing for my country ever since I first kicked a ball. There can be no greater honour. I would willingly play for nothing." And he meant it. No prouder player ever pulled on the white jersey of England.
  

Source Notes

TheFA.com
Original newspaper reports
Rothman's Yearbooks
Mike Payne's England: The Complete Post-War Record (Breedon Books Publishing Company, Derby, U.K., 1993)
Norman Giller, Football Author
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CG